Warning: I am not an an art person. I just know what works for me with the meager amateur graphics editing I have done over the years.
What image editors do you use?
Inkscape & the GNU Image Manipulation Program. Ive been playing around with Krita lately.
what image editors should i attempt to use?
In terms of FLOSS and knowing that your manipulating photos… Depending on your comfort level, and without knowing what OS you need this to run on id recommend Pinta or the GNU Image Manipulation Program.
Can’t speak to non FLOSS editors. Haven’t used any in a very very long time… like pre 2000s really.